Systems and method for package retention

ABSTRACT

A package retention system and method to secure one or more packages to a fixture such as a door handle are provided. When packages are delivered while home owner is away, the delivered packages can be securely and safely retained using the package retention system. The package retention system includes a bag to accommodate packages, a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, and an enclosure that includes first and second locking mechanisms. The first locking mechanism locks or unlocks the pull string, and the second locking mechanism locks or unlocks a coupling member that is configured to be coupled to a fixture such as a door handle to secure the bag to the fixture.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/583,373, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGE RETENTION” filed on Nov. 8, 2017, and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a package retention system to securely retain packages after delivery.

BACKGROUND

Online shopping has prompted a problem that many packages are delivered when home owners are away. The unattended packages are leaning against doors, lying flat on doormats, or hidden behind pots and bushes. These packages are prone to theft and damage, which creates property loses and liability issues.

Some apartment buildings provide key-accessible boxes on mailbox stations but the size and quality of the boxes are not able to accommodate the growing amount of packages that are delivered. No other solutions have been proposed.

Consequently, there is a need to solve this problem and create a secure retention system to ensure package safety and security from theft with easy access.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a system and method for package retention overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provide other benefits, including securely retaining packages after delivery. These advantages and others may be provided by, for example, a package retention system to secure one or more packages to a fixture. The package retention system may include a bag to accommodate the one or more packages, a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, a first locking mechanism coupled to the pull string, in which the first locking mechanism locks or unlocks the pull string, a coupling member configured to be coupled to the fixture to secure the bag to the fixture, a second locking mechanism coupled to the coupling member, in which the second locking mechanism locks or unlocks the coupling member, and an enclosure to enclose the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism.

These and other advantages may also be provided by, for example, a package retention system to secure one or more packages. The package retention system may include a bag to accommodate the one or more packages, a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, a first lock to secure the opening of the bag in which the pull string is coupled to the first lock and the first lock locks the pull string to prevent movement of the pull string, and a second lock configured to secure the bag to a fixture in which the second lock is connected to the first lock.

These advantages and others may be provided by, for example, a method for securely retaining one or more packages using a package retention system. The method may include placing the one or more packages in a bag through an opening of the bag, pulling a pull string, which is configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, to close the opening of the bag, locking a first lock coupled to the pull string to secure the opening of the bag, coupling a coupling member to a fixture, and locking a second lock coupled to the coupling member to secure the bag to the fixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present invention, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to one having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an empty package retention system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a package retention system with a package placed and secured inside.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a securing mechanism for harnessing the package retention system shown in FIG. 1 to a door handle.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a package retention system with an empty package retention system harnessed to the door handle.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a package retention system with a package retention system holding a package and harnessed to the door handle.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a package retention system showing details of two key release locks.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a package retention system showing details of two locks with one being key release and the other one being a combination lock.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a package retention system showing details of two locks with one being key release with shackle dimensions and the other one being a combination lock.

FIG. 9 illustrate an embodiment of a package retention system having an enclosure that includes two locking mechanisms for pull string of a bag and a coupling member to a fixture.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary structure of coupling of an anchor pin to an enclosure.

FIG. 11 shows workflow diagrams to securely retain packages using a package retention system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention may have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements found in a typical mobile applications architecture or typical method for sharing data. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements may be desirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. It is also to be understood that the drawings included herewith only provide diagrammatic representations of the presently preferred structures of the present invention and that structures falling within the scope of the present invention may include structures different than those shown in the drawings.

Described herein are embodiments of a system and method for package retention. Embodiments overcome the problem that unattended packages are prone to theft and damage. For example, embodiments provide a mesh beg to hold the package and two locks to secure the package to the residence's door.

With reference now to FIG. 1, shown is an exemplary embodiment of an empty package retention system 10 with an opening 11 through which a package may be placed inside, e.g., a wire mesh bag 12. The body of the package retention system is a wire mesh bag 12, which will hold the package. The wire mesh bag 12 may be made from composite material, steel, aluminum or Nylon or any other material that is strong enough to prevent easy clipping or shredding. The spaces in between the wire mesh may be a variety of sizes ranging, e.g., from 1 inch to five inches depending on the size of packages expected. A pull string 13 wraps around the opening 11 with a lock 14 affixed at the end of the pull string 13. Pulling the pull string 13 closes the opening 11. The pull string 13 is pulled through the lock 14. Locking the lock 14 prevents loosening the pull string 13 and, therefore, opening the opening 11.

With reference now to FIG. 2, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a package retention system 20 with a package 21 inside a wire mesh bag 22. At the time of the delivery, the delivery personnel places the package 21 into the wire mesh bag 22, tighten a pull string 23 by pulling the pull string 23 through the opening of the wire mesh bag 22 and a lock 24, and then locking the lock 24 to secure the package 21. The person receiving the package 21 can use a key 25 to unlock the lock 24, loosen the pull string 23 and obtain the package 21.

With reference now to FIG. 3, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a securing mechanism 30 for connecting the package retention apparatus described in FIG. 1 to a residence door handle 36. A harness 37 links a main lock 38 with the lock that secures the wire mesh bag (not shown). A band 39 wraps around the door handle 36 and slides through the main lock 38. Another mechanism for securing the package retention apparatus (not shown here) is to attach a bulbous weight to the band 39, place the securing mechanism 30 inside the door, and then slide the wire mesh bag outside the door. The band 39 is a member that is coupled to a door handle, and the bulbous weight is a member that is coupled to the door. Herein, the band 39 or the bulbous weight may be referred to as a coupling member.

With reference now to FIG. 4, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a package retention system 40. A wire mesh bag 42 is empty, showing an opening 41. A pull string 43 wraps around the opening 41 with a lock 44 at an end of the pull string 43. A key 45 can be used to unlock the lock 44. A harness 47 connects the lock 44 to a door knob/handle 46 and to the main lock (not showing in this figure). The pull string 43 extends though the lock 44.

With reference now to FIG. 5, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a package retention system 50 with a package 51 inside a wire mesh bag 52. The dimension of the package 51 may be for example 60 inches in height and 60 inches in width. A pull string 53 is tightened (i.e., pulled tight through a lock 54) and secured by the lock 54. A harness 57 connects the lock 54 to a main lock 58. A band 59 wraps around a door handle 56 and slides through the main lock 58. Both the lock 54 and the main lock 58 can be combination lock or key release, based on design preference. Alternatively, bio-ID locks, such as fingerprint or voice locks, may be used to activate or deactivate the lock.

With reference now to FIG. 6, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a package retention system 60. A wire mesh bag 62 is empty, showing an opening 61. A pull string 63 wraps around the opening 61 and extends through a lock 64. A key 65 may be used to unlock the lock 64. The pull string 63 may extend though the lock 64 to and through a main lock 68. A key 66 may be used to unlock the main lock 68. Different from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pull string 63 forms a loop coupled with the lock 64 and the main lock 68. The upper portion of the pull string 63 may then be looped over a door handle, some other fixture or under a door (not shown). The main lock 68 may be slid (e.g., up) on the pull string 63 until the loop of the upper portion of the pull string 63 is tight around door handle or of other fixture (not shown). The lock 64 may be slid (e.g., down) on pull string 63 until the opening 61 is closed. In this embodiment, the pull string 63 works as a coupling member to the door handle or some other fixture.

With reference now to FIG. 7, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a package retention system 70, similar to FIG. 6. A wire mesh bag is empty, showing an opening 71. A pull string 73 wraps around the opening 71 and extends through a lock 74. The lock 74 may be a combination lock, which does not require a key. The pull string 73 may also extend through a main lock 78. A key 76 may be used to unlock the main lock 78. The pull string 73 may then be looped over a door handle, some other fixture or under a door (not shown). The main lock 78 may be slid (e.g., up) on the pull string 73 until the loop of the pull string 73 is tight around door handle or of other fixture (not shown). The lock 74 may be slid (e.g., down) on pull string 73 until the opening 71 is closed.

With reference now to FIG. 8, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a package retention system 80, similar to FIG. 6. A wire mesh bag is empty, showing an opening 81. A pull string 83 wraps around the opening 81 and extends through a lock 84. The lock 84 may be a combination lock, which does not require a key. The pull string 83 may also extend though a main lock 88. A key 86 may be used to unlock the main lock 88. The main lock 88 includes a shackle 89 that may form a loop. An interior height of the shackle 89 of the main lock 88 may be, for example, about 1⅞ inches (48 mm), an interior width of the shackle 89 of the main lock 88 is about 1 13/32 inches (36 mm), and a width of the shackle 89 of the main lock may be about 13/32 inches (10 mm). The shackle 89 may then be looped over a door handle, some other fixture or under a door (not shown). The Lock 84 may be slid (e.g., down) on pull string 83 until the opening 81 is closed.

With reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, shown is an exemplary embodiment of a package retention system 90 having an enclosure that includes two locking mechanisms. A bag 92 having an opening 91 is configured to retain one or more packages. The bag 92 may be a wire mesh bag that may be made from composite material, steel, aluminum or nylon or any other material that is strong enough to prevent easy clipping or shredding. A pull string 93 wraps around the opening 91 and is coupled to a locking mechanism 95 a that is disposed inside an enclosure 95. One end of the pull string 93 has a pull handle 93 a to pull the pull string to close the opening 91 of the bag 92. The other end of the pull string 93 has an anchor pin 93 b that is movably coupled to the enclosure 95.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary structure of coupling of the anchor pin 93 b to the enclosure 95. The anchor pin 93 b is rotatably affixed at a corner of the enclosure 95. While the pull string 93 is pulled to close or open the opening 91 of the bag 92, the anchor pin 93 b may be rotated about an axis A to provide smooth movements of the pull string 93. The end of the pull string 93 is fixed to the anchor pin 93 b that is movably affixed to the enclosure 95 and, therefore, when the pull handle 93 a is pulled to close the opening 91, the pull string is tightened closing the opening 91.

A locking mechanism (first locking mechanism) 95 a is installed inside the enclosure 95 to lock or unlock the pull string 93. When locked through operations of a lock (first lock) 94, the locking mechanism 95 a may hold the pull string 93 preventing movements of the pull string 93. The locking mechanism 95 a may be gripping or teethed locking mechanism to tightly hold the pull string 93. A key (not shown) may be inserted into the lock 94 to unlock the locking mechanism 95 a. When unlocked, the locking mechanism 95 a releases the pull string 93, and the pull string 93 freely moves and can be pulled in either direction.

Another locking mechanism (second locking mechanism) 95 b is installed inside the enclosure 95. A coupling member 97 extends through the second locking mechanism 95 b disposed inside the enclosure 95. The coupling member 97 wraps around the a fixture or an object 96 to secure the bag 92 to the fixture or object 96. The fixture or object 96 may be a door handle. One end of the coupling member 97 has a pull handle 97 a to pull the coupling member 97 to tightly wrap the coupling member 97 around the fixture 96. The other end of the coupling member 97 has an anchor pin 97 b that is movably coupled to the enclosure 95. The anchor pin 97 b may be rotatably affixed to the enclosure 95, and the end of the coupling member 97 is fixed to the anchor pin 97 b. While the coupling member 97 is pulled to tightly secure couple the coupling member 97 to the fixture 96, the anchor pin 97 b may be rotated to provide smooth movements of the coupling member 97. The structure of the anchor pin 97 b of the coupling member 97 may be the same as the structure of the anchor pin 93 b of the pull string 93 as shown in FIG. 10. However, the structure of the anchor pin 97 b may have a different structure than the anchor pin 93 b.

The second locking mechanism 95 b is locked or unlocked through operations of another lock (second lock) 98. When the locking mechanism 95 b is locked, the locking mechanism 95 b may hold the coupling member 97 preventing movements of the coupling member 97. The locking mechanism 95 b may be gripping or teethed locking mechanism to tightly hold the coupling member 97. A key (not shown) may be inserted into the lock 98 to unlock the locking mechanism 95 b. When unlocked, the locking mechanism 95 b releases the coupling member 97, and the coupling member 97 freely moves and can be pulled in either direction.

The pull string 93 and the coupling member 97 may be vinyl wrapped steel cables. However, portions of coupling member 97 may include different materials that are optimized to tightly secure the coupling member 97 to the fixture 96. Materials for the pull string 93 and the coupling member 97 may be different, and as a results, the locking mechanisms 95 a and 95 b may employ different mechanisms to be optimized for the materials of the pull string 93 and the coupling member 97.

The locks 94 and 98 lock or unlock the first and second locking mechanisms 95 a and 95 b, respectively. The locks 94 and 98 may be combination locks or key release locks. Alternatively, the locks 94 and 98 may be bio-ID locks, such as fingerprint or voice locks, to activate or deactivate the lock. As in the example shown in FIG. 7, different types of locks can be employed to the first lock 94 and the second lock 98.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method to securely and safely retain packages using a package retention system. Referring to FIG. 11, when one or more packages are delivered while home owners are away, the one or more packages are placed in a bag through an opening of the bag, block 1101. A pull string, which is configured to wrap around an opening of the bag, is pulled to close the opening of the bag, block 1102. When the opening is tightly closed, a first lock, which is coupled to the pull string, is locked to secure the opening of the bag, block 1103. The first lock locks the pull string to prevent movements of the pull string. A coupling member is coupled to a fixture such as a door handle, block 1104. A second lock coupled to the coupling member is locked to secure the bag to the fixture, block 1105. The second lock locks the coupling member and prevents movements of the coupling member.

The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise indicated. 

1. A package retention system to secure one or more packages to a fixture, comprising: a bag to accommodate the one or more packages; a pull string configured to wrap around an opening of the bag; a first locking mechanism coupled to the pull string, wherein the first locking mechanism locks or unlocks the pull string; a coupling member configured to be coupled to the fixture to secure the bag to the fixture; a second locking mechanism coupled to the coupling member, wherein the second locking mechanism locks or unlocks the coupling member; and an enclosure to enclose the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism.
 2. The package retention system of claim 1 wherein the bag includes a wire mesh bag.
 3. The package retention system of claim 1 wherein the first locking mechanism includes gripping or teethed locking mechanism, and the pull string passes through the gripping or teethed locking mechanism.
 4. The package retention system of claim 1 wherein the second locking mechanism includes gripping or teethed locking mechanism, and the coupling member passes through the gripping or teethed locking mechanism.
 5. The package retention system of claim 1 further comprising a first lock and second lock mounted on the enclosure, wherein the first lock operates the first locking mechanism to lock or unlock the pull string, and the second lock operates the second locking mechanism to lock or unlock the coupling member.
 6. The package retention system of claim 1 wherein the pull string includes an anchor pin movably coupled to the enclosure.
 7. The package retention system of claim 1 wherein the coupling member includes an anchor pin movably coupled to the enclosure. 8-19. (canceled) 